Quote of the Day

Few of us in our early adult years are aware that these [psychological] defenses [developed in childhood] exist, let alone the powerful role they play in our lives, directing our behaviors, influencing our interpretations of others and, most importantly, causing us to replay old and painful scenarios.  Only by the time we are well into our twenties or thirties do we begin to recognize these powerful unconscious forces.  Finally, even when we do see that our history is negatively impacting our behaviors, choices, and feelings, we must confront the unspoken commandment of our families and our culture to not look, not explore, and not know our deeper self. 

-- Eleanor D. Payson, The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists, p. 78